Total Hip Wear Debris Presenting as Lower Extremity Swelling

Following total hip arthroplasty, accelerated polyethylene wear is often associated with periprosthetic osteolysis, which may be asymptomatic or may present with groin pain1,2. Rarely, the patient may have a periarticular mass and may present with compression symptoms that can include neuropathy, venous thrombosis, and even urinary obstruction3-10. We report the cases of two patients who presented with unilateral swelling of the lower extremity secondary to compression of the iliac vessels by an intrapelvic mass associated with acetabular polyethylene wear. Both patients were treated surgically, and both had a successful result on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings. Both patients were informed that information regarding their case would be submitted for publication.